Walleye – Lake Huron

Walleye is a freshwater species of fish found throughout the northern part of North America. In the Great Lakes, Walleye have been the target of recreational and commercial fisheries for hundreds of years.

Walleye grow quickly and reach sexual maturity at a young age, but habitat degradation and high fishing pressure caused population declines in the 1990’s. Today, the Walleye population in Lake Huron is still recovering. Fishery managers have restricted fishing on Walleye to aid in their recovery.

In Lake Huron, Walleye are caught with bottom gillnets and trap nets. The fisheries also catch several other important Great Lakes fish. In the U.S. fisheries, the catch of depleted Lake Whitefish is a concern. These fishing methods cause low damage to bottom habitats.